IMAGE CREDIT: CLIVE BRUNSKILL/GETTY IMAGES |
In this article by the Atlantic Magazine, author Josh Speckman explains the physics behind Rafael Nadal's incredible spin potential and how technology has taken modern tennis to a completely different dimension today.
There is also an excellent video that shows this "snap back" effect of polyester strings. "Co-polyester" strings such as the acclaimed Cyber Flash and Cyber Blue strings are merely poly strings coated with special lubricants that allow the string to slip and slide back into place after contact. They propel the ball with a recoiling snap effect while maintaining the durable characteristics of polyester.
In the video, skip forward to 5:30 for a super-slow mo clip: The New Physics of Tennis: Unlocking the mysteries of Rafael Nadal’s killer topspin (Thanks to Chris for forwarding this to me!)